Peritoneal fluid markers of mesothelial cells and function

Peritoneal structural changes are likely to result in functional deterioration of the peritoneal membrane. For the purpose of early detection of these changes, markers of mesothelial cells that can be measured in peritoneal effluent could provide easily accessible information in individual peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In this review, current knowledge on a number of these markers is summarized, such as cancer antigen (CA) 125, phospholipids, hyaluronan, and factors involved in the coagulation system. Although only analyzed in limited studies so far, this approach to understanding changes in the peritoneal membrane seems to be valid and warrants further evaluation in the future, especially in combination with functional studies and peritoneal biopsies.